Friday, April 26, 2013

Heel cup update

Of all the various things I've tried in an attempt to get my Jackson Freestyle boots to fit properly the gel heel cups which I blogged about earlier today are easily the most effective mods to date.  I skated the late afternoon public session today and slipped them in my boots just prior to taking the ice.  Truth be told I still had to come in and retie my laces after about twenty minutes but that's twice as long as previously and once retied, my boots stayed pretty much spot on for the remainer of the session.  For the first time my heels felt locked into the boots.  As a result all the elements which depend upon the left foot improved immediately.  That not only included left outside 3s but also alternating back cross-overs at speed.  I can't wait for power stroking tomorrow!  Maybe it's all in my head but I don't think so.  My confidence increased with each successfully completed jump and improved turn, spin, etc.  I just wish I'd tried this sooner.  The heel cups I purchased were relatively inexpensive at $11.65/pair (tax included) at my local Sports Authority store compared to the similar Silipos brand items listed at one on-line site for $29.99 plus shipping.  If you are experiencing heel movement with your boots by all means give these a try.

5 comments:

  1. I am glad you found a solution! I would also suggest, when it comes time for new boots, to try a different brand. I used to skate in Jackson's, but my heels always moved. I finally was able to go try on different boots and found out I have a narrow heel (generally my foot is wide) so basically Jackson's will never fit me properly (they are designed for average to wide heels, I believe) My current pair are Riedell's and they fit waaaaaaay better in the heel- it does not move! My other best fit was a Gam (or Graf- g names!)

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  2. Thanks Laivine. I guess I'm a slow learner! I had to eliminate all the possibilities one at a time, but I think I now have boots which work for me rather than against me. And yes, when I replace these I'll be more attentive during the initial fitting. Like you I have wide feet at the ball of the foot. I didn't realize that I also apparently have narrow heels or that my left foot is slightly smaller than my right foot. Live and learn!

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  3. Had the same solution to the same problem except I used Birkenstock half soles. Worked perfectly.

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  4. Thanks for the input. I'll keep that Bikernstock name in the back of my mind when it's time to replace my current heel cups.

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